The investigation revealed extra payments of almost �9,000

Tracy Anderson from Westminster Road, Swindon, was paid nearly �9,000 she was not entitled to.

Swindon Magistrates' heard she was overpaid �7,420.66 in extra income support, �1,161.06 housing benefit, and �163.26 Council Tax benefit.

Investigators Liberata, working on behalf of the town's borough council, undertook a "detailed investigation" into Anderson's claims.

A spokesman for Liberata said: "This is a clear demonstration of the consequences to anyone committing benefit fraud.

"False claims for housing benefit can take money away from important council services."